The city of Coachella has an opportunity to set the standard for planned development in the Coachella Valley.

Last week, the City Council unanimously gave a green light to La Entrada, a $1 billion project that would add 30,000 people to the east valley on 2,200 acres over the next two decades. La Entrada — The Entrance — also would add 1.5 million square feet of retail and commercial space, 550 acres of open space with miles of multipurpose trails, 345 acres for active recreation, three elementary schools and a middle school.

Proposed by Las Vegas-based New West Development, it has been described as a "city within a city."

The biggest concern expressed by the community was that it had no affordable housing out of 7,800 houses, condominiums and apartments planned on 981 acres. It's a legitimate concern. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2008 and 2012 an estimated 27.9 percent of Coachella residents lived below the poverty line. The statewide average is 15.3 percent.

The Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, a statewide group that advocates for equal opportunity, helped convince the council and developer to add 240 affordable housing units in the first and second phases of the development. At last week's council meeting, the number was increased to 500, with the added 260 units to be part of phase five in 2032. However, if the vision of New West Development President Terry Manley comes true, affordable housing will be less of a concern by then. He estimates the project will generate 21,000 jobs, $1 billion in labor wages and $3.4 billion in taxable sales over the next 20 years.

"We can create a true economic engine," he said.

Before construction begins next year, La Entrada faces several hurdles. One is transportation. City Manager David Garcia, Councilman Steve Hernandez and Manley recently went to Washington, D.C., to discuss a $40 million interchange at Interstate 10 and Avenue 50. It would be Coachella's gateway.

The city has obtained a $24.6 million Federal Highway Bridge grant for an Avenue 50 bridge across the Whitewater River and an interchange at Highway 86. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments will contribute $1.1 million for the design of the bridge and Highway 86 interchange.

This would create a new transportation corridor that is important for La Entrada.

The EIR also proposes community-based food production, trails and designated electric vehicle routes with charging stations, incentives for employees to use public transportation or ride share programs, and electric or propane barbecues for every home that has a patio.

It also says every house should have solar panels or solar water-heating systems. The city should insist on both. Reduced water and energy costs benefit homeowners and the community.

The concern about water must be taken seriously, but it shouldn't be a blockade to growth in the Coachella Valley. Coachella needs the economic opportunity that La Entrada promises. But with that comes an obligation to make this the most efficient community possible. Set the standard high as an example for the rest of the valley to emulate.